Synonym Chooser

How does the noun propensity contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of propensity are leaning, penchant, and proclivity. While all these words mean "a strong instinct or liking for something," propensity implies a deeply ingrained and usually irresistible inclination.

a propensity to offer advice

When is it sensible to use leaning instead of propensity?

The meanings of leaning and propensity largely overlap; however, leaning suggests a liking or attraction not strong enough to be decisive or uncontrollable.

a student with artistic leanings

When can penchant be used instead of propensity?

The words penchant and propensity are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, penchant implies a strongly marked taste in the person or an irresistible attraction in the object.

a penchant for taking risks

When could proclivity be used to replace propensity?

The synonyms proclivity and propensity are sometimes interchangeable, but proclivity suggests a strong natural proneness usually to something objectionable or evil.

a proclivity for violence

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of propensity There’s much to be said about the team’s propensity to pull out wins or hold onto ties in arguably the state’s toughest conference. Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 26 Jan. 2025 That said, President Trump has shown so far a propensity to start negotiations or dialogues on tough issues with maximalist positions, and then reinforcing his intentions over time and using different policy tools to drive results favorable to his priorities and positions. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025 In 2021, the Pentagon found that only about nine per cent of young Americans expressed a propensity to serve, the lowest in more than a decade. Dexter Filkins, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025 The Pacific Palisades neighborhood in the west and Altadena in the east will be irrevocably changed, but the propensity for kindness, for compassion speaks volumes of the interconnectivity of one of America’s largest cities. Kate Lavelle, Glamour, 31 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for propensity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propensity
Noun
  • Beyond The Basics Successful investing requires mastering behavioral tendencies, and effective retirement planning demands a clear view of your financial reality.
    Wayne Anderman, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • And so, your natural tendency to believe that everyone is operating in good faith takes a real beating.
    Hazlitt, Hazlitt, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Regardless of one’s political affiliation or inclinations, now is the time to institutionalize sweeping changes in public management.
    Jerry Haar, Baltimore Sun, 19 Feb. 2025
  • By asking for the right deliverables, the Trump administration can strongly reinforce this inclination.
    Vanda Felbab-Brown, Foreign Affairs, 17 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • New Yorkers with ambition and aptitude come together to complete these trainings in diverse cohorts led by expert instructors.
    Dynishal Gross, New York Daily News, 4 Feb. 2025
  • Whatever your interests and aptitude, chances are there is a need for your contribution in the workplace of today, and tomorrow.
    Aliza Knox, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The combination of IoT and AI enables connected devices to collect, analyze and act on data in real-time.
    Rahul Saluja, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
  • Just in time for Christmas, certain members of Congress are hard at work in their policy shops, fashioning a massive lump of cybersecurity coal with which to gift American users of electronic devices.
    David Williams, National Review, 26 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Sure, Trump seemed very uninterested or knowledgeable about global issues and historically had an odd affinity for Vladimir Putin, but perhaps his vaunted negotiating skills could be deployed to bring about a resolution.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 15 Feb. 2025
  • His stories enthrall his fellow captives, and capture the attention of Hasan, the enigmatic and feared Bey of Algiers, igniting an affinity between captor and captive.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Propensity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propensity. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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